IN CONVERSATION
WITH MARIAM
"I am Kartveli with Ukrainian roots," Mariam describes herself. I visited Tbilisi last summer and was lucky to meet Mariam in the town and have a conversation with her. She shared the story of her Ukrainian-Georgian grandparents, her reflections on identity, her work in fashion, and also her dream of moving to Kyiv one day.
12 January, 2025
Picture by Teo Jajanashvili
Mariam in childhood. From the archive.
Tozhsamist: Mariam, you’re Georgian but also have Ukrainian roots. Could you tell us more about that?
Mariam: It’s a very romantic story. My grandfather was born in Georgia to a Georgian family, while my grandmother was from Kyiv —she’s Ukrainian. They met in Ukraine during World War II. My grandmother was a nurse, and my grandfather was one of the soldiers whose life she saved. Since my grandmother was from Kyiv, my father was born there, though eventually, the whole family relocated to Georgia. And I was born in Tbilisi.
T: Did you hear much about Ukrainian culture from your grandmother?
Mariam: Oh, no. My grandmother was one of those rare women who didn’t like to talk much. But, of course, we would talk about the basic things. She cooked Ukrainian dishes—like borscht. We went to church every Sunday with other Ukrainians. Visiting the church became a very significant part of my life.
I loved my grandmother very much, and I named my daughter after her. Her name was Hanna (Anna) Kutsenko, so I gave my daughter the name Anna in her honor. But in Georgia, they often call her Anuka, which is the Georgian version of the name.
T: Did grandmother speak to you Ukrainian?
Mariam: Unfortunately, no. I don’t know Ukrainian because it wasn’t spoken in the family, and I never learned it. I studied during the Soviet times in Georgia, and back then, schools and universities only taught Russian.
T: Have you visited Ukraine often?
Mariam: I didn’t go to Ukraine as a child, unfortunately. But my dad would visit our relatives there—his cousins and aunts. I first went to Kyiv as an adult. I remember when I arrived, it felt like I had been there before like I had lived in the city at some point. It was a strange feeling but I loved it. When I left, I even cried. Sometimes, I have dreams about this city.
Mariam in childhood. Picture from the archive
T: What did you like about Kyiv specifically?
Mariam: The most unforgettable memories are from my first fashion week. I came to present my clothing collection in 2015. It was actually my first time at Ukrainian Fashion Week, showcasing my collection. I was quite nervous because Kyiv is such a big city, and I wasn't familiar with it. I was worried something might go wrong. It was a solo show, and I didn’t know how many people would attend. I had no expectations, but when I saw that all our printed materials were taken and the room was packed even before the show started—it was such a pleasant surprise! Overall, I’m really thankful for that experience because I met so many amazing people. I still keep in touch with some of the models I worked with. They enjoyed working with me, and I loved working with them too.
T: The most favorite places in the city?
Mariam: I liked Podil, this atmospheric and ancient district of Kyiv. The Lavra, of course! When I first saw it, I cried. St. Sophia Cathedral is also incredible. Usually, when I’m in Kyiv, I’m constantly working, so I haven’t had time to see the whole city.
T: How can you describe your national identity?
Mariam: I am Kartveli (Georgian) with Ukrainian roots.
T: Can you tell us more about design? How did you start working on it?
Mariam: I’ve always loved combining different fabrics in clothing. I enjoy mixing four or five different materials together, and I’m always curious about the outcome. People around me often complimented my work. I didn’t pursue higher education in design—I just started doing it for my soul! Sometimes, I wake up in the morning with an urge to create something with clothes.
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MACHABELI Spring Summer Show in Kyiv. Picture by Oleg Garbar
T: You’ve participated in Kyiv Fashion Week several times. Do you plan to continue in the future?
Mariam: After I made many friends in the creative industry in Kyiv it became not only my favorite city to live in but also for work. I enjoyed collaborating with various models and photographers, and they loved working with me too. I participated in Kyiv Fashion Week for a few years, but I had to stop due to COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Of course, I would love to continue once it's possible and relevant again. Designing clothes inspires me, and Kyiv inspires me — the show must go on!
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MACHABELI. Fall/Winter 2025
T: What else inspires you?
Spending time with my family and my beloved husband!
T: Considering the current political situation in Georgia and the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, how do you envision your life unfolding in the future?
I want to continue working and living in Ukraine after the war ends!
I am eagerly waiting for the moment when I can return to Kyiv. Even if allowed to choose any country and city, I would choose Kyiv.
Picture by Teo Jajanashvili
By Alice Zhuravel